New
approaches to complex issuesLand use, land-use change and
forestry (LULUCF) was the subject of an innovative side event convened
at the behest of the Parties. The SBSTA invited the IPCC to provide an
in-depth progress report on its work on LULUCF and its draft special report
on the subject. Participants, including NGOs, welcomed the long awaited
exchange with IPCC expert authors and an opportunity to begin to map out
the complex set of attendant issues.

The Joint Working
Group on compliance convened to consider a synthesis compilation of proposed
procedures and mechanisms. Emerging issues include: a) the question of
including the flexible mechanisms within the coverage of a compliance
mechanism; b) the scope of a compliance mechanism to adjudicate binding
consequences; c) and the incorporation of the principle of common but
differentiated responsibilities.

Australia
skeptical about OPEC's claim that oil exporters will run up annual losses
of $63 billion by 2010 In a re-run of well rehearsed
positions on the impacts of the implementation of climate change response
measures, Australia countered claims by Saudi Arabia that OPEC countries
are expected to run up annual losses of $64 billion as a result of measures
taken by industrialized countries to address climate change.

In a discussion
on the outcomes from an expert workshop resulting from a decision at COP-4,
Nigeria led calls for a consistent approach to all issues before COP-5
including Convention Articles 4.8 and 4.9 and the associated Kyoto Protocol
provisions. Saudi Arabia weighed in with a claim that unanimity exists
on the likely impact of response measures by industrialized countries,
particularly on the economies of fossil fuel exporters. He called on Annex
1 countries to clarify the policies and measures they are likely to undertake,
by the year 2000. He said OPEC countries stand to lose $63 billion annually
by 2010 as a result of the Kyoto Protocol.

Australia emphasized
the potential impacts of climate change on island states. He described
evidence regarding the possible economic effects of response measures
as "much thinner" and said he was sceptical. The Alliance of Small Island
States agreed and pointed out that some of the studies informing Saudi
Arabia's claims had been commissioned by organizations with deep interests
in oil exporting profits. He said the Parties should not be held hostage
by calls for a 'package' approach to progress on all issues.

On procedures and mechanisms relating to compliance under the Kyoto
Protocol, Espen R�nnenberg, Co-Chair of the Joint Working Group
on compliance (pictured above), made a brief report
of the informal exchange of views on compliance held in Vienna between
6 - 7 October 1999. Issues discussed included: design of and factors
triggering the compliance system; role of the expert review team
and COP/MOP; and the consequences of non-compliance.

Mohammad Barkindo, Nigeria.

In its opening statement
to the Joint Session of SBI and SBSTA, Canada, represented by David
Drake, emphasized the challenges of adaptation and the need for
capacity-building.